DEEP PURPLE IN ROCK

There's not that many bands that took the mood of 1970 to heart as much as Deep Purple, who had by now ditched their original vocalist and bassist and were heading in a completely new direction musically. Orchestras and harpsichords were disposed of in favor of sheer volume, with Lord wailing on his keyboard and Ritchie unleashing fury on his guitar. Ian's drumming was fast, wild and almost hypnotic at times, and matched by Glover's driving rhythms. The other Ian, that singer guy, yeah he was something else.

The album opens with a noise-fest of guitar blasts before settling into a church-like organ ditty for a bit. Then the song kicks in with Ian's wild yet ridiculously skillful wailing leading the way, tossing out some 50's rock & roll song titles within his lyrics. An important note is that even though much of this album is all about being loud and often speedy, there is no questioning the fantastic musicianship and remarkable performances by all of the players here. Few prog bands could touch these men in the talent department.

Child In Time would have to be considered the album's classic track, and why not? It has everything, including a progressive approach to songwriting. Ian Gillian's voice is incredible, especially during the crescendos as his quiet coos build into intense shrieks as the music blasts into infinity. Other songs are noteworthy as well, such as Flight Of The Rat's speed rhythms and the brilliant guitar solo in Living Wreck, where Ritchie's atmospheric touch proved that the band weren't merely reverting to a loud one trick pony. The most interesting track for me, though, is Hard Lovin' Man, which possesses that classic galloping chugged guitar rhythm pattern that can also be heard on Queen's Keep Yourself Alive, Zep's Achilles Last Stand, Heart's Barracuda and plenty of other rockers. Funny that the song is dedicated to Martin Birch who would later produce Iron Maiden starting with Killers, in which that album's title track shares the same galloping rhythm as Hard Lovin' Man.

Deep Purple seemed to embrace the dawning of the 70s better than most bands, surviving and thriving by changing their sound completely. Along with other loud beasts like Black Sabbath and Fun House, Deep Purple upped the ante in aggression and power to help bring about a new era in rock with In Rock.